Aiming for a Deep NCAA Tournament Run Following Big East Championship, St. John's
Yo! Let's dive into the epic victory by St. John's men's basketball team! With Coach Rick Pitino leading the charge, the Red Storm won the Big East tournament title, beating Creighton 82-66. But, there was a little hiccup – Father Rock, the campus minister for athletics at St. John's, got caught in the bathroom and missed the crucial net-cutting ceremony! No worries though, he made it just in time to hold the net high above his head, much to the delight of the crowd.
The win marked a major milestone for St. John's, who hadn't clinched a conference title like this since 1985. The Red Storm finished the regular season with an impressive 18-2 record in league games and snagged their first conference tournament championship since 2000. Now, they're looking to make a splash in the NCAA tournament, with a seed likely to be either No. 2 or No. 3, set to play their first round game on Thursday.
Coach Pitino, 72 years young, became the first coach in Big East history to lead multiple teams to conference tournament titles, with prior victories at Louisville. But for him, this win meant more – with roots in Queens and Long Island, Pitino felt a personal connection to the success of the St. John's team.
With a lively atmosphere and celebrities like Spike Lee and Alex Rodriguez in attendance, the game was filled with excitement. However, the Red Storm got off to a slow start in both the semifinal and final matches, digging themselves consecutive deficits before turning things around. They managed to outscore Creighton 39-22 in the second half, improving to a stunning 17-of-19 field goals and recording a remarkable 71.9% shooting percentage.
RJ Luis, the conference's Player of the Year, was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player after dropping 29 points on 11 of 18 shooting, including a blistering 27 points in the second half. The Red Storm's success was a testament to their resilience and grit, especially given their questionable offensive performance earlier in the season.
Transfer players Kadary Richmond and Zuby Ejiofor also starred, earning spots on the All-Big East and All-Tournament teams. Richmond transferred to St. John's this season after a successful stint at Seton Hall, while Luis and Ejiofor transferred two years ago from Massachusetts and Kansas, respectively. The trio has become a potent force for the Red Storm, helping them to historic success in Pitino's second season at the school.
So, cheers to the St. John's Red Storm as they head into the NCAA tournament! They've proven their mettle, and with Coach Pitino leading the way, they're ready to make some noise. Remember, faith, teamwork, and grit can take you places – just ask Father Rock!
Extra bits:
Did you know? Father Richard Rock delivers a prayer to the team before each St. John's game, providing spiritual support and fostering a sense of unity among the athletes[1]. In addition, he helped the team maintain a positive mindset and appreciate their talents and opportunities[1].
Interestingly, Father Rock's role and influence go beyond just the team – he is widely acknowledged for his unwavering integrity, respect for athletes, and ability to navigate both the highs and lows of their careers[1][3]. His presence has been seen as a blessing by both the players and the legendary Coach Rick Pitino[1][3].
[1] Source: St. John's University Athletics[3] Source: Big East Conference[5] Source: New York Daily News
- John, despite Father Rock's temporary absence during the net-cutting ceremony, was undeniably instrumental in St. John's historic victory, being named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.
- Excited spectators including celebrities like Spike Lee and Alex Rodriguez saw the Red Storm rack up an impressive 71.9% shooting percentage in the second half, earning them a significant seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament.
- To ensure unwavering faith, teamwork, and grit among the players, St. John's campus minister for athletics, Father Rock, delivers a prayer before each game, providing spiritual support that has been acknowledged as crucial by Coach Pitino and the team.
